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How to Wash Your Face

I know, you have been washing your face most of your life, all by yourself and are pretty sure you know how to do it. But to best take care of your skin and keep it healthy, the following steps to washing your face can help.

First, wash your hands

It doesn't make sense to wash your face using your hands which have spent the day touching all different surfaces and have probably picked up dirt and bacteria. So before beginning your cleansing regime, take a moment to wash your hands.

Remove your makeup

Use a mild make-up remover, taking care to be gentle around your eyes. While it is true that your cleansing routine will probably remove your make-up, it is better to remove your make-up separately so your make-up doesn't end up smearing on your face or getting into your eyes. This is especially important if you are wearing waterproof make-up.

Splash with warm water

Be sure to use warm, not hot water. Hot water can strip your skin of natural oils and having water on your skin before using cleanser helps to spread the cleanser and reduce the amount of cleanser you need.

Use a mild face cleanser

Preferrably a liquid cleanser that is suited to your skin type. If you have oily skin, make sure your cleanser is specifically made for this type of skin and if you have dry skin, use a moisturizing cleanser. Gently massage the cleanser on your face, making sure you reach all areas - forehead, cheeks, nose, chin and neck. Rubbing your face can aggravate skin conditions so use gentle circular motions using your fingertips.

Pat your face dry

Avoid rubbing with a washcloth to dry your face as this can also aggravate skin conditions, instead, use a soft clean towel.

Use a moisturizer

Again, it is important to use products that are specifically made for your skin type. If you have oily skin, don't choose an oil-based moisturizer.

Rinse twice

Rinse your face by splashing warm water to remove all of your cleansing product. If you ned to use something, use a soft cotton cloth or cotton pads instead of a washcloth.

Rinse a second time, this time with cold water to help improve circulation.

Extra tips and hints

In the morning, splash your face with warm water and pat dry. Using cleansers too often can dry out your skin. If you have sensitive skin, use fragrance-free products.

Eileen Bailey

Eileen Bailey is an award-winning author of six books on health and parenting topics and freelance writer specializing in health topics including ADHD, Anxiety, Sexual Health, Skin Care, Psoriasis and Skin Cancer. Her wish is to provide readers with relevant and practical information on health conditions to help them make informed decisions regarding their health care.